Starbucks is exploring new AI technology that could allow its drive-thrus to recognize returning customers and display personalized digital menus based on who’s ordering.
The coffee chain revealed the plans during an earnings call on Thursday, October 29, as part of a broader effort to introduce AI-powered features across its restaurants and mobile app.
While the technology is still in its early stages, Starbucks has outlined several ways it could change the ordering experience, including making payments easier and helping employees process orders more efficiently.
During the earnings call, CEO Brian Niccol said the company plans to explore “experiences that recognize participating customers as they arrive, present personalized digital menus, and make payment more effortless.”
The proposed technology could allow Starbucks to tailor the information displayed on its digital menu boards to individual customers, rather than showing everyone the same options.
However, the company has not explained exactly how it would identify participating customers or what information would be used to personalize their menus.
Totally The BombStarbucks isn’t the only fast-food chain exploring this technology. Taco Bell has been experimenting with digital menu boards that can change their layout, content, and visuals on a car-by-car basis.
McDonald’s has also been piloting an AI-powered feature called ArchIQ at select drive-thrus. The chatbot can identify returning customers and allow them to order their usual items.
Starbucks plans more AI features for 2027
Beyond personalized menus, Starbucks plans to begin testing background AI models at its drive-thrus in 2027.
According to Niccol, the technology will help baristas “input orders more accurately and efficiently,” potentially reducing mistakes during the ordering process.
The company is also looking to expand AI integration within its mobile app, particularly in search and discovery features. Future updates could introduce “conversational and agentic” ordering, allowing customers to interact with AI when placing orders.
These plans follow several other AI initiatives already introduced by the coffee chain.
Starbucks recently began allowing customers to place orders through ChatGPT and has rolled out Green Dot Assist, an AI-powered tool that employees can use to get information about recipes and service standards.
Despite outlining its plans, Starbucks has not announced a launch date for personalized drive-thru menus.
Niccol emphasized that the company is still in the early stages of exploring the technology, saying it will “test, learn, and scale what works.”
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